Liability Insurance

J

JohnC

New member
Hello all,

I'm a new member here, but have been lurking for the past few months.
I've decided to start a mobile detailing business over the summer.
Since I'll most likely be doing detailing as an "on the side" job, my business will most likely not be registered & fully legit.

One of the issues that I've come across is that of liability insurance.
I have thought about buying liability insurance, but since I don't have any customers yet, I don't think it would be wise to get it for now.
However, I am worried that I might be sued for damage that I didn't cause. For example, I might detail a car, and it would be perfect when I'm finished with it... however, after I leave, the owner might cause some damage to the car and blame it on me.

What should I do to prevent this from happening?

Thanks,
JohnC.
 
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The best way that I can see to prevent that from happening would be to have the customer sign off on any damages already present on the vehicle before you start working on it, then when you're done have him sign something else stating that no damage was caused. Most people are used to this type of legal mumbo jumbo, if you've ever rented a car you have to go through the same exact thing.

I think the most professional way to do this would be to include all of this on your invoice and give him the carbon copy. It would also look good to have your logo on the invoice as well.

As far as insurance goes, I think there are limitations as to what they will cover and what they wont. I'm not sure but I think that you may be able get bonded rather than insured if just want your customers to have some peace of mind before you touch their vehicle. As long as you don't wreck their vehicle or anything it may be the cheaper way to go. Others can chime in if I'm wrong.
 
jason rawls said:
The best way that I can see to prevent that from happening would be to have the customer sign off on any damages already present on the vehicle before you start working on it, then when you're done have him sign something else stating that no damage was caused. Most people are used to this type of legal mumbo jumbo, if you've ever rented a car you have to go through the same exact thing.

I think the most professional way to do this would be to include all of this on your invoice and give him the carbon copy. It would also look good to have your logo on the invoice as well.
Click to expand...

I've considered doing a liability waiver form, but I believe they are not much good if I get sued (basically useless in court).
However, I suppose it would at least be better than having nothing.

Just curious... does anyone here use these forms? If so, can you please send me a copy? I want to see what kind of information/layout I should include.
 
Here is one that i Created for the members of this forum, autopia, and myself. IT is free for all, and feel free to change anything that you want on it. This was built based on a template, and suggestions from several other detailers. Hope it helps

http://www.ddetail.com/report_R2.xls
 
tpgsr said:
Here is one that i Created for the members of this forum, autopia, and myself. IT is free for all, and feel free to change anything that you want on it. This was built based on a template, and suggestions from several other detailers. Hope it helps

http://www.ddetail.com/report_R2.xls
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's great, I will be modifying it for my own use.

Is there another form needed to check out vehicles? ie. after the job is finished.
 
What I like to do to prvent such a scenario from occuring is to take before and after pictures of the detail. I do to show the difference in the vehicle but it also shows what was on there before and after.

Digital works best for this.
 
tpgsr said:
Here is one that i Created for the members of this forum, autopia, and myself. IT is free for all, and feel free to change anything that you want on it. This was built based on a template, and suggestions from several other detailers. Hope it helps

http://www.ddetail.com/report_R2.xls
Click to expand...

Came across something while modifying that form...
What does L.P. stand for? (the box next to color/trim)

And also, where did you find the front/rear/side photo of the car?
I want to change it to a 4-door instead.
Or perhaps do one form for 4-doors and one for 2-doors.
 
tpgsr said:
Here is one that i Created for the members of this forum, autopia, and myself. IT is free for all, and feel free to change anything that you want on it. This was built based on a template, and suggestions from several other detailers. Hope it helps

http://www.ddetail.com/report_R2.xls
Click to expand...

Did you update the file recently, as it slightly different?

How is business going Mike?



Eric
 
Question- what program was that sheet made in . id like to copy and paste this so i can use it as a base . i appreciate the fact that the form is free its life saver. my forms look like they were made by kindergarden kids for back to school nite . lol :hurl :paper :LOLOL
 
jason rawls said:
I'm not positive but it's probably license plate.
Click to expand...

That was easy. :) Can't believe I couldn't figure it out.

Thanks.

Anyone else have any ideas about how I could go without having insurance?

The camera idea is good, but I don't have a digital camera right now. Will probably look at purchasing one soon.
 
ohsoclean said:
Question- what program was that sheet made in . id like to copy and paste this so i can use it as a base . i appreciate the fact that the form is free its life saver. my forms look like they were made by kindergarden kids for back to school nite . lol :hurl :paper :LOLOL
Click to expand...

The sheet was made using MS Excel.

Eric
 
Sorry i havent respondedto anyone.

Eric - Thanks for informing him on the excel. Business is good, I actually have a few things in the works, I cant say too much, but a multimillion company is taking me out to discuss finance and expansion. We shall see what comes of it. I dont have my hopes up yet, just because well i hate getting excited and then having things fall through.

JohnC, I will put a 4 door in it right now and post up a R3 sheet.

As far as the insurance, maybe if you are honest with the customers that you are too small to have insurance, and that they need to sign off that all damage is to be covered by their OWN insurance, or you will pay up to $$ for general damage etc... make sure that whatever you do, there is only one form for them to sign. People hate signing multiple things.
 
What about pickups, quad cabs, suv's(2 door and 4 door), and vans?

Sorry tpgsr I know you've been generous enough but I had to ask.
 
tpgsr said:
JohnC, I will put a 4 door in it right now and post up a R3 sheet.

As far as the insurance, maybe if you are honest with the customers that you are too small to have insurance, and that they need to sign off that all damage is to be covered by their OWN insurance, or you will pay up to $$ for general damage etc... make sure that whatever you do, there is only one form for them to sign. People hate signing multiple things.
Click to expand...

Thanks! :)
So should I add a line on the bottom of the form saying that damage is to be covered by their own insurance?
I don't want to make it sound like I am going to damage their car...
 
jason rawls said:
What about pickups, quad cabs, suv's(2 door and 4 door), and vans?

Sorry tpgsr I know you've been generous enough but I had to ask.
Click to expand...

Um... do you mean that you want different forms for each? if so, i can do that real fast, but typically i just use the same form, simply because the panels are pretty much the same.

Let me know, if you want different forms, i can have it by tonight, if not well then i have nothing to worry about :)
 
Actually I was being more of a pain the butt than anything but it probably would make things a little more convenient to have separate forms for each.

If you could just direct me to where I can get the pictures I'll do the work so you won't have to worry about it. Otherwise don't worry about it.

BTW, I appreciate you letting us use your form, I have been wanting draw something like that up for myself - just been procrastinating.:bigups :bigups
 
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